Keeping belongings that are not yours in lieu of a debt UPDATE post #15

[daisymae]

Can someone keep your belongings for a debt that’s not yours but someone else’s? Ds was at a festival at weekend, a so called friend rented a house with a few of his mates but not ds for 2 nights. Ds and his girlfriend were invited to stay the Saturday night so took a bag left it there (the so called friend actually took it for him) and his car until the next day, he didn’t even go into the house but at the last minute Ds and girlfriend decided after the festival to go to ds house and not the rented house. Ds picked his car up but today realised that the bag was not in his car it must be at the rented house so they went to get it. They were met by the owner who was shouting at Ds and his girlfriend about the state of the house and what had gone on (apparently it was bad) and that he was not getting his bag back until said friend had coughed up damages money or rental money I’m not sure. Ds said he was screaming all this in his face saying he was an ex cop and would be reporting ds to police as they had his car reg. Can he keep the bag (there is nothing of value but some expensive after shave and favourite clothes) Ds is quite upset as he had nothing to do with anything in the house.

[Alices Aunt]

I’d report it to the police as theft and let the card fall where they should. He never went there so cannot be liable.

[Omega1]

In short, no. Could be construed as theft.

[scoobydooby]

No he’s a bully. Call him out.

[katy341]

Police needed for this one I'm afraid...

[Smilesonfaces]

The owner of the property doesn’t actually know your son did not stay at he property even though he didn’t. His bag was there so he assumes he did. Can he prove he didn’t stay there ?
His property has been trashed and he is angry.
I think your son needs to get on to his “ friend” to sort out the mess he has created.
I guess your son could contact the police but maybe the property owner has done this over the damage

[shirley]

The property owner needs to deal with whoever his legal agreement was with. Watched enough Judge Judy to know that 1 fact lolxx

[colin39]

The only person who has power of seizur is customs and exize , but an ex policeman would know that 🙄 wouldnt he😏

[JudyC]

No you can't. I'd call his bluff and report to the police yourself.

[Pjamas]

This man is obviously irrational and upset and has no idea that your son wasn’t there - not condoning his approach but does your son have photos or messages sent that prove he wasn’t there. I’d be tempted to go back with him, calmly show evidence and retrieve the bag and then encourage him to peruse whomever he had the agreement with for damages. He might see sense if you are calm and there is evidence. If it’s not possible could you phone him and explain reasonably that your son had never visited the property before that morning. The guy needs to calm down and he will realise your son is not involved and give him his bag back.